Spokane, WA (AP)- The Hartford Whalers sent their two aces to the mound today, Greg Maddux and Kevin Brown, but came up with only a split with non-divisional opponent, Bellingham on the road. In Game 1, All-Star Greg Maddux (13-2) took a no-decision after an uncharacteristically sloppy performance. The Whalers got the hard-fought 9-8 win in 11 innings behind the superb relief pitching once again of former starter, Cal Eldred (5-1). Maddux left, disgusted, after allowing 2 earned runs in 6 and 2/3 innings of work. Maddux gave way to reliever Jeff McCurry whogot tanked for 5 earned runs in only an inning and a 1/3. McCurry gave way to the eventual winner, Eldred, who was saved in the bottom of the 9th by closer Hipolito Pichardo (14th). Leadoff man and Tucson defector, Tony Phillips, accounted for almost all of Hartford's offense on his own. Phillips continued his hot hitting by going 5-6 with 2 runs scored and 2 RBI on 3 doubles and a homerun! Of the game, Phillips said, "When you're hot, you're hot." Manager Chrabascz concurred, "The guy is on fire. He certainly wasn't this productive in Tucson. We originally thought he might be a risk but with a .385 OBP, he's our leadoff man--period."
Hartford dropped Game 2, 3-1 despite another exceptional performance by Kevin Brown (8-8). Brown pitched 9 full innings, allowing only 1 earned run on 5 hits while striking out 6 and lowering his ERA to 2.11. Jack Broskie (2-4) blew the game in the bottom of the 10th by allowing 2 earned run, the winnings runs, on NO hits and 3 base on balls! Brown got little run support despite a remarkable complete game-like effort. "I got used to it in Tucson. The lack of run support, that is. Don't worry about it. I'll be fine. I just wish we would have won but road trips are aways a pain in the ass." All-Star CF, Ken Griffey Jr., accounted for Hartford's only run on a solo shot.
Of the road trip so far, Chrabascz had no complaints, "Our relief pitching, especially Cal, has held up nicely overall. We lost one today that we shoulnd't have but Jack just lost control. It happens. We're 4 for 5 on this road trip so far so I really can't complain. I'd like to see a few more runs scored, though. Every one of these games has been decided by less than 2 runs and or has gone into extra innings. I won't have any hair left by the time we get back to Connecticut. My wife won't recognize me!"
With the split, Hartford maintained its slim lead in the McCoy Division by 1 game over Deadwood. Montreal and Edmonton officially appear to be a non-factor in the race at this point, as the Royals are 14 back and the Oil Kings 15. Hartford completes its series with Bellingham on Monday and then moves on to Detroit to face the Motor City Madmen. Looking at the schedule, Chrabascz stated, "Wow. These road trips always kill us, especially non-divisional opponents. We have to work on it but I suspect the Motor City series could turn out to be an ugly one."
Phillips kicking ass and taking names
Veteran leadoff man and outfielder, Tony Phillips, as been nothing but as good as gold since coming over in the Hartford's trade with Tucson. The 7-player swap was more focused on Hartford's acqusition of ace pitcher Kevin Brown and the Border Patrol's desire for young talent but Phillips has shined and at low cost to Hartford, in Chrabascz's view. "Tony has fit in well with our system and has gotten along extremely well with the team. At first, Phillips was being looked at as a sort of talented throw-in in the Brown trade, I'd admit. But he has exceeded and surpassed all expectations we had for him. We were in desperate need of a leadoff hitter and he has provided a hell of a punch at the top of our lineup. We're already talking to his agent about making sure he retires here in Hartford."
Phillips was so-so with Tucson in just around 35 appearances. He was about a .270 hitter coming over to Hartford. Since then, Phillips has raised his overal batting average dramatically, to .332 in 56 games. He has recorded 20 doubles and has sent 13 balls flying out of the park for homeruns (he came to Hartford with only 3 or 4 homeruns). His on-base % is .385 and he's hitting .340 against righties. Phillips has been hot since his first day in Hartford when he replaced then catcher and leadoff man, Joe Girardi (.224). In the last four games alone, Phillips has gone 11 for 19 with 3 walks, 6 runs, 3 RBI, 4 2B and 1 HR--simply incredible. "If the PVBL had a Player of the Week honor," remarked Greg Maddux, "Tony would have had it hands-down for this week and probably last week even. He's so fun to watch we don't even joke around on the bench anymore." Of his own success, Phillips is reserved in saying only, "I thank God for my good fortunes here in Hartford. Let's hope they continue."
Hartford nominates POM before July's even over!!!
The Hartford Whalers organization officially began to petition for two Player of the Month nominations for July. Both All-Star CF Ken Griffey, Jr and LF/DH Tony Phillips have had incredible numbers in July, outplaying most of the rest of the EL (Sheffield in a league of his own as always, of course). Although Greg Maddux and Kevin Brown continue shine, it is doubtful anyone will nominate them as they are often "expected" to do what they do and fall through the cracks.
Chrabascz to purchase ABC, CNN
Hartford, CT (AP)- Already in possession of the Hartford Whalers organization, ESPN, ESPNEWS, ESPN2, Classic Sports Network, SportsChannel Northeast, NESN and a bunch of shares in Disney Corp. apparently isn't enough for billionaire tycoon and sports fanatic, Jeremy Chrabascz. Chrabascz is not only in talks with ABC and CNN for purchase of their networks, but he is reportedly close to inking both deals as of this morning (according to various ABC, CNN and ESPN sources). Already cornering the market on sports news with ESPN's networks and local Northeastern sports networks, Chrabascz has set his sights on ABC and CNN (including its CNNSI subsidiary). There is no word if Chrabascz has any interest in NBC (the most prominent national sports network) or CBS but he has stated that, "I have no and neither will I ever have any vested interest in FOX or FOX Sports. They are not the class of the industry."
In related news...
Chris Berman finally inked the deal with Chrabascz and ESPN for 5 years at a total of $35 million. Meanwhile, anchor Kenny Mayne, who has since left for QVC, stated, "I hope Chris is happy with his money. I know QVC and I will be." Linda Cohen has already begun to script her news program for CNBC, according to sources at NBC. Cohen also left ESPN when Chrabascz and his partners stepped in early this week.
Former ESPN anchors, Keith Olberman and Craig Kilborn have reportedly been offered multi-year contracts in the millions to work alongside Chris Berman and co. once again. No word yet on them signing, although they have been staying in Bristol now for a week during negotiations.
TRADE WINDS
Hartford is looking for more added pop in its lineup heading down the stretch and IS very interested in Alou and Sheffield of rival, Deadwood. However, since Hartford is doubtful it can meet Deadwood's needs or demans it is looking primarily elsewhere. If anyone is headed down the road to rebuilding and wants some youth or is looking to unload some high salaries please contact Hartford asap. Hartford is looking for a MAJOR, OFFENSIVE, RUN PRODUCING players, preferrably an INfielder.
No word on who's available in Hartford but it is rumored that Chrabascz is waiting for actual offers first.
